A late-morning errand run ended in tragedy Tuesday when a woman was hit and killed by a van in a San Jose shopping center parking lot, police said. Officers were called at about 11:17 AM to reports of a collision in the area of Lido Way and Thackeray Lane, where the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver stayed at the location and cooperated with investigators.
What the police say happened
According to SFGATE, a preliminary investigation found a man driving a 2024 Ford Transit 150 van was traveling south through the lot when he made a left turn and struck the woman. Police said the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, and the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner had not released the victim’s name as of Wednesday. Investigators say they are collecting witness statements and reviewing surveillance footage from the shopping center area.
Citywide context
This collision is the second fatal traffic crash in San Jose so far this year, underscoring a run of recent pedestrian deaths across the city. The San Francisco Chronicle reported another deadly pedestrian collision on Tuesday at Story and King roads, and police records show traffic fatalities remained elevated last year. Local leaders and transportation planners have been under pressure to speed up safety work on high-risk corridors.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Detective White of the SJPD Traffic Investigations Unit at [email protected] or (408) 277-4654, according to the news release republished by SFGATE. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the San José Police Department’s online reporting system or the P3 Tips mobile app; the department’s tip page explains how to include photos or video. Police said the investigation remains active and they welcome any footage or eyewitness accounts from the parking lot area.
Safety and Vision Zero
Parking lots concentrate turning vehicles, short sightlines and short crossing distances, factors that increase risk for people on foot. San José’s Vision Zero and Walk Safe San José programs include quick-build fixes, high-visibility crosswalks and corridor projects aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries and deaths, according to the City of San José Transportation Department. Officials say engineering changes, community outreach and targeted enforcement are all part of efforts to lower the city’s traffic toll.
